Mr Kostunica asserts that his country wants accession to EU, but it will take time - Parliament supports EU aid

Strasbourg, 15/11/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament will bring its full support in order for European aid to the reconstruction of Serbia be up to its needs. And many are those who, in the Parliament, do not doubts that one day, the doors to the EU will be open. It is through these statements that Nicole Fontaine, President of the European Parliament, welcomed on Wednesday, in the framework of a solemn session, Voijslav Kostunica, President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia wants it, answered Mr Kostunica, who said he realised that it would take time before his country is truly ready for accession, but that the major goal; of his foreign policy is to move closer to the European Union and the join it. Having experienced the domination strategies of major powers, my country wants a non-coercive way for integration, said Mr Kostunica, for whom a "step by step" integration is a model to adopt in the Balkans. He added that the FRY wants to sign "as soon as possible" the association agreement with the EU.

In Yugoslavia, we will have to change many things, notably build democratic institutions, and especially infuse them with the democratic spirit (which could be harder). Out main task now is to resolve in a democratic manner our internal relations. The problem of Kosovo is the most difficult and Mr Kostunica said he was ready to open a dialogue with Albania over all the issues that may contribute to a democratic solution of Serbia-Albanian relations in Kosovo. As for Montenegro, it is a case of defining the framework of a democratic dialogue. The restructuring of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will require a great deal of patience and wisdom: a fundamental factor will be the recognition of the fact the a significant number of Muslims and Albanians live in Serbia and Montenegro, and that there exits not a single good reason for them not to be an integral part of it. Europe will better understand the problems of Yugoslavia if it considers its own post-war period, when brave individuals embarked on an unknown project, he said adding: even more so than your aid, we need your understanding.

Mr Kostunica then answered journalists, during a press conference with Nicole Fontaine, before taking part in a meeting of the Conference of President of political groups in the EP. He also met Javier Solana, Mr Kostunica noticeably answered questions on:

• The future of Kosovo. We insist on the respect of United Nations Resolution 1224, recalled Mr Kostunica, while noting that the situation was difficult even before the arrival in power of Milosevic.
• The international Court of The Hague. I realise that it is necessary to start co-operating with this court, admitted Mr Kostunica, who, questioned several times over the fate of Mr Milosevic, recalled that his main task is now to ensure the democratic future of the country.
• Relations with the EU. We have felt the support of the EU, noted Mr Kostunica, saying he was surprised by the speed with which Europe was ready to open the dialogue with his country. I am surprised with your surprise, concluded Nicole Fontaine, when asserting that Yugoslav accession it part of a natural process.